2. To keep possession of; to hold and defend; not to surrender or relinquish. "God values . . . Every one as he maintains his post." (Grew)

3. To continue; not to suffer to cease or fail. "Maintain talk with the duke." (Shak)

4. To bear the expense of; to support; to keep up; to supply with what is needed. "Glad, by his labour, to maintain his life." (Stirling) "What maintains one vice would bring up two children." (Franklin)